German Court Rules Car Wash Operators Liable for Damage to Standard Vehicles

The Federal Court of Justice determined that car wash operators must compensate drivers for damages to vehicles with factory-standard parts during washing.

The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruled that car wash operators are responsible for damages caused to vehicles with factory-standard parts during the washing process.
The case involved a Range Rover whose rear spoiler, part of its standard equipment, was damaged in a car wash in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The court ordered the operator to pay €3,200 in damages, rejecting claims that warning signs absolved responsibility.
The ruling emphasized that drivers have the right to expect their factory-standard vehicles to exit car washes undamaged.
This decision overturns a prior ruling by the Münster Regional Court, which had initially sided with the car wash operator.